President Donald Trump on Oct. 15 called off Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s plans to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad in December.
death penalty
California Bishop Praises District Attorney’s Decision to Reset Death Penalties
An unprecedented decision by California’s Santa Clara County district attorney to reset the death penalty sentences in the county to life in prison sentences has been touted by the local bishop as “an important step toward respecting the sanctity of all human life.”
Major U.S. Nitrogen Gas Manufacturers Ban Use of Their Products for Executions
Three of the largest manufacturers of medical-grade nitrogen gas in the U.S. have barred their products from being used in executions, the British daily newspaper, The Guardian, reported.
Iowa Legislators Propose Making Death of an Unborn Person a Felony
Iowa’s House Republicans passed a bill March 7 that would make it a felony to cause the death of an unborn person defined as “an individual organism … from fertilization to live birth.”
Activist Nun Leads Push to Delay Execution of Texas Death Row Inmate
Sister Helen Prejean, a longtime activist against the death penalty, is leading a campaign to delay the scheduled execution of Texas death row inmate Ivan Cantu on Feb. 28.
Florida Executes Murderer, Abuse Victim Despite Appeal From Catholic Bishops
In a final statement before his execution Tuesday night, Florida death row inmate Michael Zack III said he made no excuses for the crimes he committed, but said he wished he could have had “a second chance, to live out my days in prison and continue to do all I can to make a difference in this world.”
Oklahoma Archbishop Coakley Calls for Ban of State Death Penalty
WASHINGTON – Hours after Oklahoma executed 51-year-old Jemaine Cannon July 20, Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley urged “all people of goodwill to join me in advocating for an end to the death penalty in Oklahoma.” In its place, he called on state officials to work toward “actual justice that respects human dignity and prioritizes healing […]
With Capital Punishment Pause Lifted, Alabama Resumed Executions
Alabama put James Barber to death July 20 in its first execution since a pause on capital punishment in the state was lifted in February.
With Capital Punishment Pause Lifted, Alabama Resumes Executions
Alabama was set to put James Barber to death July 20 in its first execution since a pause on capital punishment in the state was lifted in February.
U.S. Bishops Condemn Florida Execution During Their Assembly In Letter To Pope Francis
As the U.S. bishops gathered for their spring plenary assembly, they voted June 15 to approve a letter intended for Pope Francis that also denounced Florida’s planned execution that day.